What could you possible make of discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles? In the context of fashion, that is a curious and unexpected, yet equally reasonable question, an answer to which has been given by the Spanish brand, Ecoalf. Ecoalf transforms everyday plastic objects into clothes. Using pet bottles and recycled material in the process of making garments is not a new phenomenon, but Ecoalf proposes a new take on the process, with a concept that is both more technologically innovative and formally appealing than other similar projects.
The brand, founded in 2009 by Javier Goyeneche, is grounded on the idea of recycling as one of the solutions to the overconsumption of natural resources; a concept that has grown with its development without leaving physical marks of the recycled process on the clothes themselves. By using innovative recycling methods and materials, such as discarded fishing nets, used ground coffee, used plastic bottles and worn out tires, the brand produces a complete line of clothes for both women, men and kids that is essential, smart and well-designed. The process of making clothes from ground coffee consists of several different stages: the used coffee is picked up from several diners; then, the compound, which is still humid, is then taken to the recycling plant; there the coffee dries out and any oil it may contain is extracted; subsequently it is ground to the size of nano-powder; the powder is then mixed with recycled polyester polymers in order to create a yarn, which then can be used to make clothes.
While the process might seem long and complicated, Ecoalf’s design aesthetic expresses a completely different feel: it is sporty, wearable and casual, with a focus on outdoor pieces, accessories and shoes. They have developed several collaborations, such as an exclusive collection (made of recycled nylon plastic bottles) for Galaries Lafayette department stores and a partnership with Gwyneth Paltrow’s website Goop. For everyone who has doubted about the power and use of recycled fashion Ecoalf is proving them wrong by showing that it is possible to make well designed pieces out of unconventional materials: who said that discarded fishing nets or used coffee ground had to be ugly?
